Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Display your Celtic Pride
by marching in the
St. Patrick’s Day parade
in Maple Lake, MN!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Hosted by:
Lacy’s Legacy Scottie and Westie Rescue http://lacyslegacyrescue.org/
Here’s how it works…..
If you have a Scottie, Westie or Cairn, you are welcome to march with us!
12:30 We will meet and gather as a group (directions included)
When we get the call, we will walk together to the parade line-up area
(or gather in the park and fall in line)
1:30 Parade begins!
We will have human and canine refreshments before and after the parade
The cost is FREE however Lacy’s Legacy will be accepting free-will offerings to cover the cost of the snacks and for future rescue expenses.
Wear green!
Wear a kilt, sash, bandana, hat, etc. It’s not required, but both you and your dog are welcome to dress for the parade.
Early registration is encouraged –complete & sign the included release form
Some details
No Flexi-Leashes, please!!
Please be in control of your dog at all times.
Bring some water and a bowl.
Don’t forget to bring some poo bags to clean up after your terrier.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding the details about the parade, please email John or Steph at
lacyslegacyrescue@gmail.com
We will march come Rain, Shine or Snow!!
Directions:
To get to Maple Lake, simply take Hwy 55 west from the Twin Cities.
Go through Buffalo and stay on Hwy 55.
Maple Lake is about 7 miles west of Buffalo.
(From 494, you should plan about 1 hour travel time – there could be a lot of traffic)
When you get to Maple Lake, turn left at the first stop light.
Continue south to the Rail Road tracks. After you cross the tracks, we will be on your RIGHT). There will be signs so you will see us. Parking is available at the building.

Waiver Form:
To participate in the parade with Lacy’s Legacy Scottie & Westie Rescue, you must sign this waiver. Please complete, sign and return by mail or email.
John and Steph Wisecarver
Lacy’s Legacy Scottie and Westie Rescue
506 Lake Blvd
Buffalo, MN 55313
lacyslegacyrescue@gmail.com
If you cannot register in advance, you can complete and sign this form when you arrive
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Waiver
I understand I am responsible for the behavior of my dog(s) while attending this event. I will not hold John and Stephanie Wisecarver, Lacy’s Legacy Scottie & Westie Rescue or Maple Lake Lumber liable for any injury or accident caused by my dog(s) or to my dog(s) or participants on this form while attending the Maple Lake St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15, 2014.

Available for Adoption

This is Carly, a spayed Westie female born 8-8-05. She is on the small size about 13 pounds but is Big on cute. She comes from a backyard breeder but is a real “people” dog, enjoying lap sits and hugs. A quiet little lady she gets along very well with other dogs and is crate trained. She walks well on a leash and knows what to do when outside. Carly is a smart and loving little Westie who needs a good forever home to spoil her.

Meet Dorie a very cute, quiet and petite Westie girl. Her birth certificate shows 8-8-05 but she looks like a puppy. Rescued from a backyard breeder she has learned crate training and her name very quickly. She walks on her leash and knows “Go Outside.” Dorie does have an issue with her left front shoulder but other than an occasional limp she moves around fine. She gets along very well with other dogs and really likes people. A true lap Westie, she would make a wonderful small companion.

Must vent about today’s “Practically the Worst Day in Our Dogs’ [Westies Oliver, Blanche, Keely and Ambrose] History.”

We had our friend, Mitch Gonzales (the Christopher R. Mihm B-movie mask-maker guy), over to watch a Hammer Suspense film from the ’50s with us called “The Snorkel.” Terrible name, REALLY good movie.

Anyway, moments before Mitch arrived, Oliver got into some frozen foods my husband Anthony had put out on the porch so we could finally defrost our basement freezer. The naughty mutt stole a frozen 1/3-pound boneless pork filet. Pork is way too rich for dogs in general in that kind of quantity, and especially for his delicate digestion. We struggled, chase, cajoled, bribed and basically did everything we could to get that thing away from him for nearly an hour. I even offered him other kibble, a chicken wing, a walk and even a ride in the car, but he wouldn’t come out from under a shrub for anything—and that little sucker is FAST on his getaways.

Well, he finally finished devouring his pig dinner and came back in the house, only to start uncontrollably shivering, whining and finally howling for several minutes on end (he’s the only Westie I’ve EVER heard howl like that in my life). All of this was because his tummy was hurting. It was rather heart-breaking, but the doofus dog did it to himself. We put him out again and hoped he’d barf it all up.

Eventually, he must have because I later saw Ambrose eagerly eating something in the snow. Hot lunch, on ice!

All the while this is happening, I’m apologizing to Mitch for the awfulness of it all.

Then, we all sat down to a light lunch, and as we began the movie, Blanche proceeded to steal Anthony’s ham sandwich and start eating it on the couch. Luckily, Mitch alerted me in time to have me put most of it back together.

When Oliver came back in, the tummy-ache-based howling started up again, so Anthony put on a loop leash to guide out the dog again, and Mitch got to see the insane snarling and snapping Oliver is known for when he resisted being led. Score another point for good dog behavior around company. At least now Mitch knows I was never exaggerating when I said Oliver’s behavior could be downright dangerous when he loses it.

THEN, about halfway through the movie, Keely jumped up on the couch with me and Mitch and I smelled something I “hoped” was just her typical fart. But, no such luck. She had apparently had the runs outside and was toting a bunch of smeary pooh, as well as a rock-hard poop-hole plug, both of which I worked on for 15 minutes and used fully half a roll of toilet paper to thoroughly remove from her butt. Anthony got to scrub a spot of stinkiness off the sofa, too.

I’m sure Mitch was having the time of his life with this kind of Martha Stewart-esque hospitality! I was mortified to say the least. Fortunately, he loves dogs and understood. He’s even made plans to come back sometime and watch a few more such flicks. Glutton for punishment.

Wayzata Westie Walkers

Lynell Voigt joined the group in 2002 and creates elaborate handmade costumes each year for the Westies.

“Here come the Westies!” the parade announcer says enthusiastically as the two-block-long-procession of West Highland Terriers dressed as furry, four-legged versions of Uncle Sam–complete with red, white and blue handmade costumes and matching miniature top hats–comes into view on the downtown Wayzata street; their two-legged owners are similarly attired in patriotic wear.

It’s the 37th annual James J. Hill days parade, and the Wayzata Westie Walkers, who have been participating in the parade since 1996, always know how to make an entrance.

The crowd cheers and hoots in the warm, early afternoon sunshine. it’s a lovely day to be a Westie, and a Westie owner. And the kind of day Ginny Nelsen imagined when she formed the Wayzata Westie Walker group in 1996.

Nelsen was attending the parade the year prior and thought about how cute her beloved breed, West Highland Terriers, would be strutting their stuff down the parade route. “I didn’t know who would help me organize it, but I knew it would be fun,” says Nelsen excitedly, sporting Westie earrings and a necklace, her Westie photo albums and Westie bag on the table nearby.

“A few weeks later I was walking my two Westies and a gal with two Westies came up next to us and we started walking and talking, and she seemed nutty enough, so I asked her if she would help me do the parade,” Nelsen says, “She said, ‘Oh sure,’ and that was that.”

So Theresa Wilson and Nelsen put up signs at coffee shops, on street posts, anywhere they could tell people about their club. That first year, there were 13 Westies in the parade. By the third year there were 150.

Sue Storms, public relations coordinator for the group joined in 1998 and has helped to not only keep the group informed about upcoming events but spread the word about this merry little band of LWDs (little white dogs). She has also fostered relationships with local pet shelters, including Crossroads Animal Shelter in Buffalo, and whenever a Westie rescue comes into the facility they contact Storms, who sends out an e-mail to the Wayzata Westie Walker group (over 500 strong now), and frequently someone from the group will step up.

“Many of our Westies were adopted as rescues,” Storms says.

The creativity meter was cranked up in 2002 when Lynn Voigt came on board. What began as bandanas for costumes before Voigt joined has now turned into a full-scale costume extravaganza at each James J. Hill days parade, with costumes such as bumblebees, hobos, sailors, firefighters, clowns and cowboys. They also put on a style show after the parade, complete with the newest pet fashions from New York.

But this group has proven they’re more than just pretty faces and creative costumes. They support The Pet Project, which is a local nonprofit that collects pet food and distributes it to food shelves so folks in financial difficulty won’t have to worry about giving up their pet. For several years, the Wayzata Westie Walkers have held a pet boutique where group members crafted pet-related items to sell; the money was donated to local charities.

These Westie lovers are keen on getting together whenever they can. During the winter months, a smaller group might meet for a walk in the park; in the summer months, they put together a mini-parade around a neighborhood culminating in lunch in someone’s backyard.

“I never thought my idea would turn into something so big,” says Nelsen, “but we are so delighted and happy it did.”

&

Catch the Wayzata Westie Walkers at this year’s James J. Hill Days, September 8 and 9 in downtown Wayzata. For more information visit the Wayzata Chamber’s website.

Coming soon, my instructional DVD, “Sid’s Canine Kitchen,” on which I teach you how to prepare your own homemade raw-dog-food diet for your discriminating dog. It’s what I’ve been feeding my four wonderful West Highland white terriers for more than three years and with marvelous results in their health and well-being.

“Sid’s Canine Kitchen” will be available both in DVD form and via downloads for Macs and PCs. You’ll be able to purchase one from my website www.goodgriefpetloss.com as soon as my web guy gets the page set up. If you’ve ever had questions about feeding your pet raw food, this DVD is meant to answer them. Check it out!—Sid

Rocky and Melvin are still available for adoption. I have attached their photos again so you can see their sweet faces.Older dogs often take longer to get placed in new homes just because of their age – Keep in mind that even though these boys are considered “Senior” – they are a young 11. Many Westies don’t even begin to slow down at this age!

Does adopting an older dog scare you? Why?Here’s some things to think about ….

Won’t I be adopting someone else’s problems? If the dog was so wonderful, why is it up for adoption?
……Answer: Older dogs lose their homes for many different reasons….most of them having nothing to do with problems the dog has, but rather with those of the person or family surrendering the dog. Many folks think dogs who end up at shelters or in rescue are all genetically and behaviorally inferior. But, it is not uncommon for very expensive, well-bred, well-trained dogs to outlive their usefulness or novelty with folks who bought them on impulse and no longer want to take responsibility for them. Other reasons older dogs become homeless: death of a guardian….not enough time for the dog…… change in work schedule….. new baby…..need to move to a place where dogs are not allowed…. kids going off to college…. allergies…. change in “lifestyle”…. prospective spouse doesn’t like dogs

Isn’t it true that you can’t train an older dog the way you can train a puppy?
……Answer: Dogs can be trained at any age. The old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” just isn’t true. Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.

Don’t older dogs cost more in vet bills?…… Answer: Veterinary attention and medication are needed at all ages and may or may not be more costly for an older dog.

Do older dogs have any “special needs”?
…… Answer: With a health assessment of the dog, you will know whether any age-related conditions are present and you can take appropriate measures to address them. Otherwise, older dogs need all the things younger dogs do — good nutrition, exercise (although less intensive, usually, than for a younger dog), and regular visits to the vet.

What advantages do older dogs have over puppies or young dogs?
……Answer: Older dogs have learned what “no” means and how to leave the furniture, carpets, shoes, and other “chewables” alone.

They have been “socialized” and learned what it takes to be part of a “pack” and to get along with humans and, in most cases, other dogs, and in some other cases, cats, as well. Older dogs, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what’s expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.

Older dogs know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you, while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers.

They are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, etc.

Finally, older dogs are a “known commodity.” They are easy to assess for behavior and temperament, and you also don’t have to guess how big they’ll grow!

Those of you who adopted Westies that are no longer puppies often share with us how devoted and grateful they are. It’s an instant bond that cannot be topped!

An urgent message from Sue Storms about a pair of Westies in need of a new home. More info and photos to come soon, but those who wish to inquire may email me and I’ll forward your query to Ms. Storms. —Sid

Dear Little White Terrier Families,

More information and photos will be coming soon, but I wanted to get word out to you right away on these two boys.

Marshmallow and Rocket are 2 Westie brothers, age 11, that need a new home. They do not have to remain together, however that would be ideal.

These guys are good with kids and other dogs.

Think about opening up a “retirement home” for one or both of these guys or pass on the word to somebody else you know that may be interested.

Remember that older dogs can still enjoy life and give YOU lots of joy as well. They deserve to have a loving home and a caring family just as much as a younger dog.